2009 Shear Fellows
Kaitlynn Baker
Lincoln University
Kaitlynn Baker is a junior at Lincoln University, majoring in Psychology. As a sophomore, Kaitlynn enrolled in the Leadership Development course and was awarded the Leadership scholarship. She has been on the Dean’s List since her first semester at Lincoln University in 2007. She is a member of the International Students Association. Kaitlynn has served as an Orientation Leader and as a research assistant at Lincoln. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Academy and recently conducted a service project at St. Joseph Cathedral School that introduced 8th grade girls to leadership topics. After graduation, she will be attending graduate school in Oklahoma to become a counseling psychologist.
Jasmane Boyd
Missouri S&T
Jasmane Boyd is a junior majoring in Information Systems Technology with a minor in Business. As a freshman, she was the student representative for her floor in Student Council. She also was a member of the Voyager Learning Community. During her sophomore year she was one of the two mentors of the Voyager Program. During the fall semester she was the Performing Arts Director of the Student Union Board. Also during her first two years on campus she was an active member in the National Society of Black Engineers. During the fall semester of her junior year she was the Performing and Diversity Arts Director of the Student Union Board. She is currently a member of the Black History Month Committee. She has always been active in the community doing different type of community service projects.
Cassandra Brown
Lincoln University
Cassie is a graduating senior from Lincoln University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and the Student Government Association's Senate. She has completed two internships at the state capitol working for state legislators along with an internship in Washington, D.C. Cassie plans on taking time off from school before attending law school.
Kailyn Brown
University of Missouri-Columbia
Kailyn Brown is a native of Durham, North Carolina. She completed her undergraduate studies in Public Health at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. In preparation for a career in healthcare she set her sights on becoming a Medical Sonographer. As a result she is now enrolled as a graduate student in the respective department at the University of Missouri. As a participant in the Sue Shear Leadership Academy she hopes to learn what it takes to be leader in her field and a role model for minority women in America.
Kailey Burger
Truman State University
Kailey Burger was born in Columbia, South Carolina. She is currently a junior at Truman State University. Kailey is double majoring in Political Science and English, and hopes to earn a joint J.D., PhD after graduation. She is currently involved in the Pre-Law Club, Beta Omega Beta (a non-greek women’s social organization), Student Ambassadors, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Pi Sigma Alpha (political science honor fraternity). Kailey is passionate about the humane treatment of animals and recently presented a paper at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research on this topic. She is a member of the ASPCA and hopes to eventually work for this wonderful organization as an attorney and advocate.
Elizabeth Cook
University of Central Missouri
Elizabeth Cook currently attends the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. Elizabeth is active in her school and community. She has served as the Secretary of the Student Government Association and is currently the Vice President of the Pre Law Student Association and a member of the Honors College, Pi Sigma Alpha, and the Mock Trial Team. She has interned for State Representative David Day and her future aspirations include one day running for public office. Elizabeth plans to graduate this December and attend law school in Fall, 2010.
Ashley Crimaldi
University of Missouri-Columbia
Ashley Crimaldi is a junior, dual-majoring in Journalism and Women’s and Gender Studies. She is a member of Stop Traffic, an Anti-Human Trafficking group and was recently elected as the Student Representative of The Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition. She serves as president of Mizzou’s Feminist Student Union, and is a delegate of Four Front, a coalition of minority groups on campus. Ashley has performed in The Vagina Monologues on two separate occasions, and served as this year’s Advertising Chair. She is a member of and has served as former skit chair of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. This summer Ashley will be working as a publishing intern at In These Times Magazine, a progressive non-profit publication based out of Chicago, Illinois.
Christine DiRie
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Christine (“Kippy”) DiRie is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education. She has practiced nursing for over 20 years, currently in Labor & Delivery. She obtained her ADN from St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, and attended Maryville University’s weekend option program to attain her BSN in 1995. Christine is a member of the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) and has stood up for the rights of patients to received excellent care in acute care facilities by ensuring that registered nurses have a voice at the decision-making table. In addition to working full-time, Kippy is active in her church, home schools her last child, and is interested in the provision of basic health care for all individuals regardless of race, creed, or ability to pay. She has been happily married for almost 30 years and has three children and a grandchild on the way.
Emily Fletcher
Missouri State University
Emily Fletcher recently graduated from Missouri State University where she received her B.A. in Socio-Political Communication. While at Missouri State, she was a member of the Lambda Pi Eta honor society and lettered in Track and Field and cross-country. She also enjoyed volunteering for Special Olympics while residing in Springfield. In the fall she will continue her education at Saint Louis University in health care administration. After graduation she hopes to work as an administrator in a public hospital or work on health awareness campaigns. Her main interest is in AIDS awareness, but she is also highly interested in health care reform. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family at the lake and playing just about any sport.
Vicki Fowler
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Vicki Fowler is a junior English major at UMSL where she is also pursuing a writing certificate. She retired from the Navy with 23 years of service, and currently works full-time as a team leader for Edward Jones. Vicki served seven years on the Griffith Elementary and Ferguson Middle/High School Parent Teacher Association. While serving on the PTA she held the positions of treasurer, recording secretary and vice president. She is currently working to start a tutoring and reading program for inner city high school children, and volunteers at O’Fallon Place in downtown St. Louis. Vicki is also active in the Ferguson community and hopes to one day run for the city council.
Elise Hammond
University of Missouri-Columbia
Elise Hammond just completed her sophomore year at the MU. She is majoring in Middle School Education: Math and Social Studies, and pursuing a minor in Leadership and Public Service. Elise was raised in a civically engaged family and from a young age, she enjoyed being able to help others. It was through volunteering that Elise discovered her calling as a teacher. She hopes to teach in the St. Louis Public School district, and her goal is to help students see that math is an expression of the world, just like music or art. This summer she is spending seven weeks in Tanzania, Africa, building, teaching and then climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. One of Elise’s favorite quotes is by Katharine Butler Hathaway: “It is only by following your deepest instinct that you can lead a rich life, and if you let your fear of consequence prevent you from following your deepest instinct, then your life will be safe, expedient and thin.”
Brittany Harris
University of Central Missouri
Brittany Lanice Harris is a senior at the University of Central Missouri. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communication, with a minor in Africana Studies. Brittany is a member of the McNair Scholars Program, where she completed a study about the correlations between the perception of socioeconomic status and the motivations for academic achievement in St. Louis-area high school students. She is also Vice President of the Pi Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. In addition, Brittany has also served within the NAACP, Africana Studies Club and Student Government Association. After graduation in December of 2009, Brittany plans to attend the University of Maryland, where she will enter the Organizational Leadership and Policy Studies program.
Ramanda Hicks
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Ramanda Hicks is a sophomore majoring in communication studies. She is a non-traditional student, full-time mother, and employee of the Office of Admissions. Ramanda actively participates in department initiatives to increase work-study training and facilitates the Admissions Office orientation. She is a recipient of the 2009 Susanne Williams Scholarship. Recently, her experience in the corporate workforce proved valuable in organizing a food and clothing drive to benefit Harvesters and the Community Service League in Fall, 2008. After graduating, Ramanda plans to become a reporter and become the voice of Kansas City to advocate awareness and support for the underprivileged.
Rebecca Husney
Missouri State University
Rebecca Husney is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Communications at Missouri State University. Her participation on the policy debate team in college has motivated her to pursue a career in public policy after she graduates. She is currently a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity and is looking forward to interning with Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) this summer. Rebecca enjoys helping others excel and learn, as evidence by her extracurricular activities: working as a Resident Assistant in the residence halls, being a Peer Leader for incoming freshmen, and her position as Secretary on the executive board of Phi Alpha Delta. Rebecca is planning on attending law school after she graduates from Missouri State University.
Maria Iliakova
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Maria Iliakova is a senior majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish, and is preparing for medical school. As chair of volunteering and leadership for the Pre-Medical Society, she has organized students to volunteer in joint projects with the Kansas City Free Health Clinic and the Good Samaritan Project, focusing on STD and HIV awareness. In April, she presented research on the interactions of zinc-finger containing proteins at the University Research Day at the State Capitol. She is a supplemental instructor of organic Chemistry, leads the Honors Spanish Discussion Group, and serves as a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Student Advisory Committee. After graduation, Maria plans to research abroad in a Spanish-speaking country and earn an MD/PhD. She intends to become a physician scientist and advocate of health, science and community services.
Sara Irwin
Lincoln University
Sara Irwin is a senior at Lincoln University in Jefferson City seeking a B.A. in political science with a minor in philosophy. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Sam Walton Academic Achievement scholarship, the Viola Smith Young scholarship, and Who's Who Among American College Students. In 2008, Sara volunteered as a supplemental instructor for introductory political science classes, to help struggling students succeed in those areas. Since then, Lincoln has created that position within the supplemental instruction department and Sara is currently serving as the first political science SI leader. Sara also completed an internship with a Missouri lobbyist during the 2008 legislative session. In addition, Sara regularly volunteers in programs such as Missouri's River Relief and Relay for Life and is currently in the process of applying for the establishment of the Lincoln University Phi Sigma Alpha political science honors chapter. Upon graduation Sara plans on continuing her education in graduate school.
Amanda Jackson
Truman State University
Amanda Jackson is a junior at Truman State University, where she is pursuing a degree in English with minors in religion and women and gender studies. She has been named to the President’s List for each of the five semesters she has completed at the University. Aside from her studies, Amanda is involved with many community and campus organizations. She has held various leadership roles in the Lutheran Student Fellowship, including Director of Events and Women’s Ministry Leader. She is also involved with College Democrats, the Pershing Society, and Phi Kappa Phi, and is a copy editor for the student newspaper, the Index. She volunteers at Victims Support Services, the local domestic violence shelter. She was a field intern for Judy Baker’s 9th District Congressional Campaign in 2008, and spent last fall studying in Bangalore, India. After graduating from Truman, Amanda plans to complete a master’s degree in public administration and hopefully join the Teach for America Corps.
Katie Jarboe
University of Missouri-Columbia
Katie Jarboe, a junior majoring in Agricultural Economics-Public Policy, is from Gallatin, Mo. She is the past Ag Economics Club president and Collegiate Farm Bureau vice president, and is active in a number of other organizations including Sigma Alpha and the Alpha Zeta Honor Society. She has also received numerous awards from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) including Outstanding Sophomore of the Year in 2007. Katie works for the USDA Missouri Farm Service Agency, and is a public policy intern at the Missouri Corn Growers Association, where she lobbies for related agriculture issues. Last summer, she studied agriculture in Ireland and Italy. Since June 2003, Katie has been a counselor at Kid’s Kamp counselor, a summer program for blind children. She plans to graduate in December 2010 and hopes to continue her education through a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. Following her education, she hopes seek a career related to agricultural policy.
Susan Jones
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Susan Jones is a senior political science major at UMSL and is pursuing a minor in French. She will graduate in 2010. Susan is a member of Associated Black Collegians, Helping Hands, and the Political Science Academy at UMSL. Susan currently serves as the legislative intern with the Associated Students of the University of Missouri (ASUM). She plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in public policy, and is interested in running for office someday. In her free time, Susan loves to travel and explore different types of music, as well as volunteer in her community.
Baheirah Khusheim
Missouri S&T
Baheirah Khusheim is studying engineering management at Missouri S&T, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi, an Engineering Honor Society. Baheirah is very active on campus and in the community around efforts to improve the lives of female students from Saudi Arabia. She was the first Saudi female to be involved in the Saudi Student’s Association on campus and was elected vice president. In addition, she represents Saudi students at the International Advisory Council Committee and is a volunteer Arabic translator for the Rolla police. Baheirah is also the vice president of Solidarity, an organization that has earned the attention of her royal highness, Princess Adila Al-Saud. Solidarity, is a revolutionary community service group for young women that challenges Saudi conventions by allowing females to contribute to their communities. Baheirah hopes that her Academy experience will give her the skills to become an officer at the Society of Women Engineers and participate in MS&T Student Council (2009-2010).
Korey Lewis
Truman State University
Korey Lewis is a junior studying Political Science, Spanish, and Women & Gender Studies at Truman State University. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., Korey also spent two years of her childhood in San Francisco. She grew up knowing the value of team work (and conflict resolution) with her five brothers and two sisters. Recently, Korey spent an “amazing semester” as an intern for Senator Joan Bray. In high school, she participated in Varsity Track, Speech & Debate, Student Activities Council, Diversity Club, Nerinx Theatre, and the Close Up program in Washington D.C. as well as a school volunteer. She deeply values knowledge of other cultures and has traveled to Mexico, France, and Nicaragua. Korey intends to pursue a Masters in Political Science and to spend time helping others to the best of her ability in the Teach for America program.
Lynn Mwaniki
University of Central Missouri
Lynn Mwaniki is a Graduate Student in the Sociology Program at the University of Central Missouri. As a native Kenyan her area of interest focuses on women and development, specifically the role of education. She plans to pursue a Doctorate degree upon completion of her Masters.
Alexis Petri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Alexis Petri has eight years of experience in service learning and currently serves as co-director of the Gateway Program, UMKC’s service learning program. She is also project director of the Youth LEAD, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services focused on teens and young adults with disabilities. Alexis has an educational background in English literature and composition/
rhetoric. She is currently working toward a doctoral degree in higher education administration through the UMKC School of Education, Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education program. In her spare time, Alexis writes poetry and is an avid amateur photographer.
Ashley Reinhardt
Truman State University
Ashley Reinhardt is a third year undergraduate student at Truman State University. She is currently majoring in Political Science and minoring in Economics, and will graduate with a B.S. in May 2010. She interned for the Department of Higher Education, and is currently working with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act looking for potential funding sources for Missouri colleges. She has also served as legislative intern for Budget Chairman of the Missouri House of Representatives, Allen Icet. Ashley is also an active member of the social sorority Sigma Kappa and of a local service sorority Tau Lambda Sigma, both of which seek to improve their community through service and philanthropy. After graduation next spring, Ashley hopes to attend law school.
Judith Rowland
Missouri State University
Judith Rowland is a sophomore political science student at Missouri State University. This last year she served as the Director for Academic Affairs in the Student Government Association, the Secretary-General of the Model United Nations team, a Peer Minister at The United Ministries in Higher Education, board member of The Rowland Foundation, Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and Assistant Debate Coach for Parkview High School. She is also a member of the Debate team, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Mock Trial team. Judith is passionate about racial relations, gender equality, and reducing global poverty. She enjoyed working as an ambassador to Haiti last summer and looks forward to studying abroad in England and in Ghana in the coming year.
Cindy Sandoval Perez
Southeast Missouri State University
Cindy Carolina Sandoval Perez was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and lived there with her parents and sister until 2000, when she moved to the United States. She is a sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University pursuing a B.S.B.A. in Human Resources Management. Cindy was the salutatorian of her high school graduating class in Washington, Missouri where she was secretary of her class and involved in many clubs like student council, Spanish club, and Key club. She served as a store manager for her local DECA chapter, and played soccer for the Washington Blue Jays. Cindy’s plans for the future are to graduate at the top of her class from SEMO and to attend law school in Missouri. Her long-term goal is to work for a corporation or become a government official. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys playing soccer, dancing, being with friends, and listening to music.
Jamie Shockley
University of Central Missouri
Jamie Shockley is a sophomore at the University of Central Missouri working towards a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. She currently serves as Vice President of Scholarship on Panhellenic Council, Ritual/Ceremony chair and chapter editor for her sorority, Delta Zeta, and House Clerk on the Executive Board of UCM’s Student Government Association. Jamie also served as a legislative intern to State Representative Rachel Storch. Jamie is also employed by the Political Science Department as a student assistant. In Fall, 2010, Jamie plans to study abroad in London and complete a full-time internship in Jefferson City in Spring of 2011. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school in St. Louis.
Allison Sperber
Missouri S&T
Allison Sperber received a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is pursuing a master’s of science in Environmental Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. If she has any free time from school, research and work, she likes to go wakeboarding and waterskiing with her husband at the Lake of the Ozarks. She brings her dog Bear with her everywhere she goes.
Churie Spreng
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Churie Spreng is currently a senior at UMSL pursuing her bachelor of art and science in social work. She will graduate in May 2010 and hopes to be accepted into a dual gradual degree program (MSW/JD) offered through Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work. While continuing her education she hopes to gain experience by working in the field, particularly in child advocacy. In 2010, Churie plans to run as a democratic candidate for State Rep in the 76th district, a seat currently held by her husband. She is a member of North County Inc, Florissant, Ferguson and Airport Open Democratic clubs, and is also very involved in her academic community. She is a board member of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri (ASUM), a member of Tau Sigma, and member of the Student Social Workers Association. In her free time, she enjoys working in her garden, spending time with her husband and reading.
Leslie Thorne
Southeast Missouri State University
Leslie is a Pre-Law/Political Science major at Southeast Missouri State University. She has been involved in Political Philosophy club and the All University Judicial Board. Outside of school, Leslie enjoys volunteering at MDA summer camp in memory of her brother William. Leslie plans to graduate in May 2010 and then go to law school.
Elizabeth Vinson
Southeast Missouri State University
Elizabeth Vinson is a sophomore honors student at Southeast Missouri State University majoring in Public Relations and Spanish. She is the Special Events Program Coordinator for the Student Activities Council and is a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary, an organization dedicated to service on campus and in the community. This past year, she served as the Administrative Coordinator for her Hall Council and she participated in an eight week Emerging Leaders Program. In the summer of 2007, she traveled to Australia for three weeks as a People to People Student Ambassador. This summer she is going to Africa with a friend through LCMS World Missions. She is going to be there for two months, traveling to different villages and running a day camp for children. In the future, Elizabeth plans to study abroad in Costa Rica and possibly work with the United Nations.
Rachel Waldemer
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Rachel is a junior pursuing a B.S. in biology and a B.A. in chemistry and Spanish. She is a supplemental instruction leader for introductory biology courses and has worked in molecular biology, pathology, and bioinorganic chemistry labs at both UMKC and Washington University. Rachel is an active member of the UMKC Honors Program, and was public relations officer for the UMKC Pre-Med society from 2007-2008. She is currently a presenter for the UMKC International Education Speakers Bureau, and gives presentations on her Fall, 2008, semester study abroad experience in Limerick, Ireland. In addition, Rachel volunteers each week as a Spanish interpreter/childcare worker/jack-of-all-trades at the Keeler Women’s Center, a resource center for abused and needy women in Mission, Kansas. Upon graduation, Rachel plans to complete an MD/PhD program and conduct biomedical research with a gynecologic focus. She hopes to play a part in promoting public awareness and understanding of politically sensitive scientific issues and work toward more funding for research.
Amanda Woods
Lincoln University
Amanda Woods is a graduate of Lincoln University with a B.A. in Spanish and a history minor. She participates in numerous theatrical productions and recently directed the spring production at LU. She is active in many campus organizations, including Women's Leadership Academy, Alpha Kappa Mu, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society.
Juan Xu
Southeast Missouri State University
Juan Xu is originally from China. She is an accounting student at Southeast Missouri State University. Raised in a working-class family, she believes that public policy should take care of the underrepresented, the children, the seniors, and those who have been historically deprived of the equity privilege. After getting her bachelor’s degree in China, Juan joined the National Volunteer Organization, which is the Chinese version of Peace Corps. She volunteered to teach in an underdeveloped town, where most of the habitants are ethnic minorities. Students in her class were usually the first one in their family to go to high school and many had never traveled more than one hundred miles. ‘Teaching them means more responsibility and more challenge.’ Juan said, ‘it was hard to ignore any single student in my big class when I thought of the whole family behind him or her.’ Juan said she would continue to serve those underrepresented in her future life.
Meaghan Younker
Missouri State University
Meaghan Younker is a May, 2009, graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Communication and a minor in Creative Writing and Spanish. She is from Joplin, Missouri, and will pursue a master’s degree in communications at Missouri State in the fall. Meghan is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, and she enjoys her job with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. This summer, she is doing an internship working with youth in Joplin and doing mission work. She hopes to continue her work with non-profit organizations in the future. During free time, Meaghan enjoys reading, writing poetry, and running. She never misses an episode of Wheel of Fortune or The Office, and she recently discovered her appreciation for Beethoven’s symphonies, all of which she blares in the car while driving around town.